The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed widespread social media claims. These reports suggested the party had already selected a candidate for the upcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement on Sunday. He described the reports as false and misleading. Abdullahi confirmed they were not traceable to any official ADC communication channel.

“ADC does not hand-pick candidates,” Abdullahi stated clearly. “No individual has been selected ahead of the primary process.”

He further explained that the party had already announced the official date for its Osun primaries. Abdullahi stressed the ADC’s unwavering commitment to internal democracy and due process.

According to him, the viral claims originated from unverified posts and publications. They did not come from any legitimate ADC source.

Abdullahi emphasized that no aspirant could be considered a candidate. This can only happen after the party’s authorized organs conduct the primaries.

“Until the primaries are conducted by the party’s authorised organs, no candidacy is valid or recognised,” he affirmed.

The spokesperson reassured all party members and the public. He promised a free, fair, and level playing field for all aspirants.

“We ask the public to disregard any and all such reports,” Abdullahi concluded.

Atiku Abubakar Joins ADC, Highlights Party Growth

In a related development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is poised for significant political advancement. This comes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku formally registered as an ADC party member last Thursday in Yola, Adamawa State. He made this public in a post shared on the social platform X on Friday.

The former Vice President shared photographs from the event. These showed him receiving his ADC membership card and a customised “Waziri 01” branded jersey. This gesture added symbolic colour to the occasion.

Highlighting the party’s expanding national reach, Atiku pointed to the ADC’s grassroots consolidation across various regions. Reaffirming the ongoing nationwide movement, he wrote: “Yesterday, the ADC train made a stopover in Jalingo for the unveiling of the Taraba State secretariat of the Coalition Party.”

He optimistically added, “There’s no stopping the ADC; it is heading your way.”

Earlier in the week, Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, urged key opposition figures to form a strategic alliance with Atiku Abubakar. Momodu described this as a vital “rescue mission” for Nigeria.

Momodu spoke as the keynote speaker at the closing lecture of a week-long celebration in Jada. The event marked Abubakar’s birthday. During his address, Momodu traced the former Vice-President’s political journey. He highlighted Abubakar’s democratic credentials and disposition to non-violence.